Donald Trump Jr. sat solemnly in the front row of an Arizona courtroom Monday as the man accused of killing his friend, conservative leader Charlie Kirk, underwent pretrial proceedings, The Associated Press reported.
Tyler James Robinson, 23, who has not yet entered a plea, showed little visible emotion as prosecutors began presenting evidence they say establishes probable cause for first-degree murder and related charges.
Robinson, dressed in a gray suit jacket and dark tie, occasionally leaned forward to view evidence displayed on a courtroom monitor.
Trump Jr. was joined by conservative commentator Jack Posobiec and members of Kirk's family, including his widow, Erika Kirk, who now leads Turning Point USA.
Erika Kirk and other relatives left the courtroom before graphic testimony describing the immediate aftermath of the shooting and returned after a recess.
Defense attorney Kathryn Nester repeatedly challenged the state's evidence but was largely overruled by the judge.
During cross-examination, Nester questioned testimony from former Utah Valley University police officer David Bagley, who acknowledged he found an empty pistol holster after the crowd fled but never took custody of it and did not know whether it had been processed for fingerprints.
Utah law allows both open and concealed carry without a permit.
Bagley also testified that investigators located what appeared to be a "sniper pad" on a rooftop near the location where Kirk was shot, though prosecutors did not immediately elaborate on its significance.
Authorities allege Robinson confessed in text messages and a handwritten note to his roommate, who was also his romantic partner, before surrendering to law enforcement the following day.
According to prosecutors, the note stated: "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I'm going to take it." They also allege Robinson texted that he targeted Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred."
Prosecutors have said they plan to present surveillance and law enforcement video, witness testimony, autopsy findings, recorded statements from Robinson's roommate, and DNA evidence linking Robinson to the suspected murder weapon.
They also contend the shooting endangered others attending Kirk's campus event, an aggravating factor that could make Robinson eligible for the death penalty under Utah law if convicted.
Additional pretrial hearings are expected before the case is scheduled for trial.